Patiki (flounder) designs are based on the diamond shape of the flounder fish. According to Ngati Porou tradition, the significance of the patiki is that the fish provides for the whole iwi. Women were always looking for ways to add to their food supplies, so they caught them in the dark when the flounders came, while their men were sound asleep. The flounder is a symbol of favourable times. It is a familiar pattern on kete.
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Why the patiki (flounder)?
Patiki (flounder) designs are based on the diamond shape of the flounder fish. According to Ngati Porou tradition, the significance of the patiki is that the fish provides for the whole iwi. Women were always looking for ways to add to their food supplies, so they caught them in the dark when the flounders came, while their men were sound asleep.
The flounder is a symbol of favourable times. It is a familiar pattern on kete.
Level 4: The Patiki (flounder) pattern
Square Paper for the Patiki Pattern
Patiki Pattern Worksheet
Patiki Pattern Answers